Angela is the Founder and Executive Director of Upcycle Arts. Angela is constantly creating, whether it’s baking, sewing costumes, stilt walking, or circus aerial. She is so excited to bring the world of creative reuse to Charlotte. She has a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University and spent four years in the military at Fort Bragg, NC.

Rachel, originally from Greenville, SC, has proudly called Charlotte home for over 25 years. She's passionate about creativity, including sewing, drawing, painting, and recreating. Her shopping adventures, particularly for the perfect pair of Mary Janes (any color, stacked heel), fuel her inspiration as a graphic designer. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from the Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD). Married with two budding artist daughters, creativity runs deep in her family.

Sophia is a sewist and hosts Sew Social Charlotte a club where sewing and socializing attempt to take place at the same time. She has a background in change management and employee engagement. At work, she applies design thinking to create collaborative learning experiences that mix work and play. Sophia brings with her an MBA from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Emily Pearce is a children’s author and artist with a background in professional fundraising, primarily in prospect research. She is passionate about crafting and sustainability and loves to sew in her spare time.

Annika Wreder is the Operations & Finance Director at The Bulb. After working in corporate finance, she pivoted to the nonprofit world in pursuit of deeper impact. Annika holds degrees in Finance and Physics from the University of Florida and an MS in Business & Management from the Stockholm School of Economics. She’s passionate about using finance as a tool for mission-driven work, building intentional processes, and supporting creative, circular solutions to community needs. When she’s not spreadsheeting or strategizing, she’s usually hanging out with her partner and their Sheepadoodle sidekick, Appa.